Inspiring Change, Driving Growth: Do You Need a Business Consultant?

Business owners and managers are faced with challenges every day.  It might be completely natural to worry about cash flow, legal issues, pending projects, and other activities of the organization, but there is help.

Business consultants understand the struggles of owners and managers and it is their responsibility to guide you through those challenges while providing valuable insight and resources.  This article is designed to help you identify the role of a consultant, when one may be useful, and what to look for during your search.

Consultants should not simply provide thoughts for money.  In fact, they should be much more involved.  An experienced consultant may be able to assist with challenges such as streamlining operations, minimizing costs, assisting in vendor negotiations, improving morale, analyzing legal issues, and serving as a mediator in debates, among other services.  Each business concern is unique and it is important to realize that there are individuals able to help.

But, when will you know?  Here are a few quick signs that you may need the assistance of a business consultant.

• Immediate, short-term concerns including large buying decisions or the release of a new product may be a strain on the financial and operational operations of the company.
• Longer-term projects such as managing cash flow or project management arising from new contracts may be too much for the organization to manage at this point.
• Your business has undefined future growth and direction.  In these instances, a consultant should identify the strengths of the company and individuals and help develop the roadmap.
• You’re stuck saying, “Here’s what I don’t know.”  You have already accomplished the most difficult part by admittedly identifying the issues you do not understand.  The experience of the consultant and their connections ought to help alleviate those concerns.

If you think you may require consulting services, there are some important factors to consider when choosing a provider.  For example, a helpful consultant will have years of experience and demonstrate success in certain areas of expertise.  They will produce exceptional references and display commitment to your company.  An achieving consultant will confidently inspire change within your organization when required.  He or she should be flexible, both in time and financially.  Most importantly, an effective business consultant should exude leadership and drive growth, personally and professionally.

Global Perspective Consulting, an affiliate of The Wirt-Rivette Group, provides executive and business consulting services and programs.  These are provided to clients and organizations committed to engaging perspectives and programs which will grow their business and develop their strengths in the areas of leadership, strategy, and innovation.  For more information, contact Jason Case at jcase@wirtrivettegroup.com.

Are Business Cards Dying?

Think of how many emails you send in a day and compare that to the number of letters you put in the mail.  How many of you now do a majority of your banking online?  Twenty years ago, those numbers might have looked a little different.

Truth is certain technological advances come along that obsolete a method of communication and information sharing.  Have business cards been targeted next?

There are obvious benefits, other than sharing contact information, to exchanging a business card with an individual.  It allows you the opportunity to express your company’s personality.  Think back to the most creative business card you’ve received.  What stood out about it?  Was it the color, font, or maybe shape of the card?  Regardless, it made you remember the card and gave you an inside look at the personality of the company.

Business cards also represent authenticity among the business world.  Presenting a card with your name and company logo is basically providing your acquaintance with a stamp of approval from you and your organization.

However, in a world where you can download an app on your phone to do just about anything, the business referral networks were not left unnoticed.  In fact, Bump Technologies has created an innovative program that is available for iPhones, iPads, and Android-based phones that allows users to exchange information by simply “bumping” their phones together.

It might sound like another Google April Fool’s joke, but Bump is very real and being used by many.  The sensors in the “bumped” phones literally “feel” the bump.  Then, it sends the information into the Cloud, uses an algorithm to pair it up with the other phone and sends a confirmation request back to you.  Visit bu.mp for more info.

These tech-based methods of information exchange, along with others like LinkedIn, are gaining momentum because they are seen as cost effective, convenient and modern.

Your preferred method, whether it’s a business card or an electronic exchange, says something about you.  What do you want to say?

Do you prefer the benefits of presenting a traditional business card or the convenience and modern approach of electronic exchange?

Happy Holidays!

I wanted to share our holiday e-card for those of you who may have missed it!

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It’s Here…Are You Ready?

It’s here…are you ready?

No doubt, many of you risked it all by going out on Black Friday on a mad hunt for the best possible deals.  If you were one of those individuals, I salute you for your bravery.  However, in the midst of the crowds of people, the flashy sales signs, the unwavering sense of exhaustion, were you able to cross everything off your list?

My guess, unless you are a “super-shopper,” is no.  Luckily, I’ve decided to do my part to assist those of you who may have some people still on your list. 

FOR THE KIDS

A popular item this holiday season for the children is the Cloud B Twilight Constellation Night Light.  The soft, plush turtle projects a complete starry night sky on the ceiling of the child’s bedroom or a nursery.  It sells for $22 on Amazon.com and is highly rated.

FOR THE TEENS

Can’t quite find the “cool” gift for your teens?  If you really want to make their jaws drop this holiday season, a nice option might be the Xbox 360 Console with Kinect.  Kinect is the new motion-sensing device that allows individuals to play games completely without the use of controllers.  It tracks and traces the movement of your body, allowing your teen to become active while playing.  With prices starting at around $350, it is an expensive selection, but it might just be the perfect gift for your teen.

FOR THE MEN

Another tie?  A coffee mug?  A power tool?  How about an iPad?!  Now we’re talking.  The Apple iPad is “A magically and revolutionary product at an unbelievable price.”  It is designed to fit the needs of businesspeople, music-lovers, movie-gurus, gamers, designers, writers, readers, and many more personality types.  It is another potentially expensive option, but definitely worth the price.

Another great product this season is the Apple TV.  At a much more convenient price ($97 on Amazon.com) Apple TV is a revolutionary product.  It allows the user to stream HD movies and TV shows rented from iTunes, plus content from Netflix, YouTube, Flickr, and MobileMe directly through a TV.  At only 2 pounds and 3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 inches, the small but powerful gadget is a great gift option for the men. 

FOR THE WOMEN

Jewelry?  Clothing?  Chocolate?  Too obvious, right?  Consider an Amazon Kindle.  This reading device is competitively priced and highly rated for the new ink technology.  With prices starting at $139 on Amazon.com, the Kindle is a popular gift option, especially for the avid reader.

Does even the thought of reading instantly make the individuals on your list tired?  Then how about getting them a Keurig Single-Cup Coffee Maker?  That should keep them awake!  With various prices and model options, the single-cup coffee makers are yet another popular gift idea this season.

FOR THE TECH-GEEK    

We all know one.  But, what in the world do you get them?  It seems like they already have it all.  But, because the tech-geeks spend a great deal of their time on computers and other technology, an external hard drive is a perfect gift idea.  It allows them to store large amounts of their music, movies, school papers, data, work items, or other “techy-stuff” to a secure and portable device.  A 2TB (that’s a lot of storage, so I hear…) external hard drive is priced at about $110 and would satisfy even the “techy-est” geek on your list.

I hope you found these suggestions helpful or perhaps it gave you another great idea for those individuals still on your list.  Just one last recommendation…avoid the lines, crowds, and weather by shopping online!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Jeopardy & Our Role

Most of us have sat at home in the evening and played jeopardy. You know, you are given the answer and have to provide the question.

So here is the answer: global economic distress, mid-term elections, U.S. debt and unemployment, and tough choices.

And the question: What are the critical trends and realities that beckon all of us to engage the dialogue to stay informed and involved in solutions and related conversations?

With new political leaders elected and appointed from throughout the USA and as far away as China, now is the time to confirm that your voice and opinion do make a difference and do need to be heard.

Whether at the personal, political, community or faith level, I ask you to not fall prey to apathy in face of the challenges ahead. As the saying goes, “every crisis creates opportunity.”

A few examples of engaging activities that do and will make a difference are debate, letters to the editor and political leaders, volunteerism, participating in a rally and focusing on personal and professional strengths.

Our team recently engaged in a Globalization presentation and conversation that I was able to facilitate. If your organization or firm has an hour or so to receive this presentation, let me know and I would be happy to schedule it as part of what the Wirt-Rivette Group can do to support “OUR ROLE.”

Black Friday Shopping: Is It Worth It This Year?

Is Black Friday shopping worth the black eyes and runny noses? Some would say yes and some would say no.

Many stores this year are offering fantastic Black Friday Early Bird Specials.  The hard part is deciding which store you are going to wait outside until 5 a.m. for (some open as early as midnight or 3 a.m.!).

Instead, try Cyber Monday this year. For those of you that have not heard, Monday, November 29, 2010 is considered “Cyber Monday.”  This day is all about the online shopping. You no longer have to worry about the pushing and shoving or late nights (that some may enjoy!), and you can enjoy these great deals from the comfort of your own living room.

In the past, many of these deals have been as good, or even better than Black Friday deals. Stores that are participating in this year’s Cyber Monday include: Sears, WalMart, Amazon, Best Buy, Macy’s, Kohls, and many more!

For those of you who are interested in the online shopping festivities, you may want to consider reading Cyber Monday Deals 2010 – a DIYer’s Guide before you start your online shopping. The author refers to a great online tool called Price Grabber, www.pricegrabber.com
To get a head start on the deals, read this article: Cyber Monday 2010 Predictions: Which Deals You Should Expect, http://aol.it/glIaQQ.

Are you going shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or neither, this year? What do you love and/or hate about the shopping around this time? What is this year’s “hot item” you hope to find? We would love to hear your comments!

Let’s Think Michigan First

I recently attended an event that featured Buy Michigan Now campaign founder, Lisa Diggs.  Her presentation about the efforts of the campaign seemed to gain the interest of many of the attendees in the audience that morning.  She spoke of the difficult time we’ve faced here in Michigan and how she hit a point where she realized that we can do something to fix it.

The Buy Michigan Now campaign (www.buymichigannow.com) is “dedicated to promoting the beauty, character, and commerce of Michigan and to economically revitalizing the state.”  I recommend you, as leaders of our communities, visit the site and consider the impact that “Thinking Michigan First” can have on your business as well as the economy and welfare of our state.

As Lisa mentioned, we seem to have developed a victim mentality over the last few years: a state of mind that assumes we’ve been the victim of bad politics, a broken auto industry, and other hardships.  But, it’s time to alter that mindset.  It’s time to stop waiting on the auto industry and our government to cure our troubles.  We need to make a choice to go from victims to victors. And that process starts with all of us…now!

Local entrepreneurs have started to take action.  Two college graduates recently formed Michigan Made Direct (www.michiganmadedirect.com).  Their slogan, “Hometown Favorites…One Click Away!” sums up their intentions to help stimulate interest and promote locally made and distributed products such as Detroit’s own Faygo beverages and Better Made potato chips.  Eric Finnigan, co-owner of Global Materials Management, LLC, the parent company of MichiganMadeDirect.com says:

For so long, fellow Michiganders have been forced to migrate outside of our great state to find jobs.  By leaving the place they call home behind, they are also forced to say goodbye to so many of the great products they have become accustomed to while growing up here.  MichiganMadeDirect.com was created to bridge that gap by offering Michigan originals all over the world.  It has been very special for us to be a part of the push to support our local economy and encourage all Michigan businesses interested in becoming a consignment partner to contact us at customerservice@gmm-llc.com or (877) 381-2660.

We can maintain their encouraging efforts by injecting it into our own philosophy and business practices as well.

Sure, we’ve got work to do.  But, I’m confident that if we all make a conscious effort to “Think Michigan First”, we can pull ourselves from this slump and get us back on our feet running.

“Hail! Hail! to Michigan

The leaders and best!”

Successful Day for Wirt-Rivette Team at MCVI Race Events

The Wirt-Rivette Group, along with friends and family, participated in the MCVI “Run for Your Heart” activities on September 11^th, 2010.  Prior to the race events, the team completed a three month internal fitness and training program that involved organized group walks and runs, a weekly fitness newsletter, and other health awareness initiatives. 

Team members also participated in the Blue Cross Blue Shield “Walking Works” training series presented by the MCVI Foundation.  The series asked participating teams from the surrounding area to log their miles in a friendly competition designed to promote a healthy heart.  The Wirt-Rivette Group “ran away” with the competition, recording a total of 975.68 miles over the five-week period!  That averaged to nearly 122 miles per walker/runner.  The star walker for the team was unquestionably Steve Wirt, who averaged over 16 miles per day on his own!  Excellent job, Steve!

On the 9^th anniversary of the dreadful September 11^th events, the temperature was chilly, but the skies were clear and spirits were high as the races began.  The 10k (6.2 mile) race was the first to begin at 8:00 a.m.  The team had three participants in this race: Clarence Rivette, Jason Case, and Brandon Filbeck, finishing with times of 51:50, 53:07, and 50:46, respectively.  Clarence and Brandon took first place in their age divisions and Jason took second in his. 

At 8:10 a.m. and next up was the 5k (3.1 mile) run.  Eric Finnigan and Amanda Essenmacher represented the team in this race.  Eric finished strong with a time of 29:18 and Amanda sprinted across the finish line at 27:04.  In the race with the largest number of runners, both finished 4^th in their respective age divisions.

The majority of the Wirt-Rivette team participated in the 5k (3.1 mile) walk event that began at 8:15 a.m.  Steve Wirt finished 8^th overall with a time of 41:38 in another large field of walkers.  Close behind was Stacey Filbeck who finished 11^th overall and first in her age division with a time of 42:10.  Dena Wirt completed the race with a time of 57:36.  Lynne Goldstein had a great race as well with a finishing time of 46:03.  The mother-daughter team of Elena Brunett and Angel Brunett successfully completed the walk with times of 1:00:40 and 1:01:15, respectively.  Donna Gakstatter finished an impressive race with a time of 57:36.  Also walking with the team (although their times were not recorded) were Nicole Gakstatter, the daughter of Donna, and Marilyn Abbs, a close friend of Lynne’s. 

The morning’s festivities concluded with the awards ceremony where several of the team members received bobble-head trophies for their remarkable finishes in their age divisions.  The team also won five free entries for the race next year, as an award for winning the “Walking Works” competition.  Steve was also awarded a free pair of training shoes for his inspiring individual effort in the program.

Overall, the day was a complete success and the Wirt-Rivette Team had a terrific time participating in the events with co-workers, friends, and family.  The group looks forward to the race next year and improving on their newly established fitness program.  Congratulations, team!

Local Race Benefits Heart Disease

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 11, 2010, The Wirt-Rivette Group will be on-site for the MCVI Run for your Heart Race, a race that raises awareness for heart health,  in Saginaw, MI!  You will see a couple of us in each event of the day!

The 10K race begins at 8:00am

The 5K race begins at 8:10am

The 5K walk begins at 8:15am

There will also be a “Tot Trot” for ages 7 and under beginning at 8:45am, and a 1 mile fun run beginning at 9:15am! All ages will be represented at this race. MCVI has made it incredibly easy for the whole family to enjoy this event! 

If you missed registration, there is still time to support the fight against heart disease in mid-Michigan, you can still make a tax-deductible donation to MCVI at the race!

Come out and support the runners and walkers at this incredible event!

To find more information on next year’s event, so you can join in on the fun, please visit MCVI’s website: Click Here